Key Lime Mini Pies

Add this to the list of amazing COVID discoveries… these mini pies are even better than a full sized key lime pie! Never would have discovered the idea without the need for socially distanced baking – make sure to wash your hands frequently and wear a mask for the post-baked steps, but also make sure your friends/neighbors are still comfortable with you handling their food.

Ingredients

• 1 package graham crackers (I think there are 9 in each)
• Half stick of butter, melted
• 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 20 key limes (you’re looking for about a half cup of juice, so probably 4-5 regular limes would cut it if you don’t have the real deal)
• 1 cup Heavy whipping cream
• 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 12 cupcake tins

How To

1. Preheat your oven to 350F.
2. Smash up the graham crackers as finely as possible – a potato masher works well for this!
3. Mix the graham cracker dust with the melted butter, until it’s evenly distributed and the crumbs hold a shape when you press them together.
4. Spoon the graham cracker butter mixture evenly into your muffin tins. Once you’ve got more or less the same amount in all 12 cups, press down with your fingers to form the crust at the bottom of each cup. Bake 8 minutes.
5. While the crusts are baking, mix together your sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks.
6. Zest 4 key limes (or 1 regular lime) to add about a teaspoon of zest to the custard. Squeeze and add lime juice (watch out for seeds), then mix to combine.
7. By now your crusts are out of the oven and have had at least a few minutes to cool. Scoop your custard mixture evenly into each cup, and pop back in the oven for another 10 minutes. Let the mini pies cool when they come out of the oven, then put them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve – at least 2-3 hours so that they’re nicely chilled.
8. When the pies are cooled and you’re about ready to serve, use an electric mixer with a whisk attachment to whip your cream until it’s super fluffy and thick, adding sugar as you go. The sweetness level is up to you, I usually like it without much sugar since the pies are already really sweet and flavorful.
9. Add a big dollop of whipped cream onto each mini pie, top with a little more lime zest and enjoy!